Politix had another interesting questions today: Is it ok to call undocumented people illegal aliens?
Here is my answer:
Hmmm…
illegal – forbidden by law or statute; contrary to or forbidden by official rules, regulations, etc.
alien – a resident born in or belonging to another country who has not acquired citizenship by naturalization; a foreigner
So, an illegal alien is a foreign born person residing in a country under conditions contrary to, or forbidden by, law. This sounds